If you're a destiny skeptic you might be swayed by Simon Buckley's story. Right from the beginning, the 19-year-old seemed meant to wear the red and blue.

"My dad and his dad have barracked for Melbourne," Buckley told melbournefc.com.au. “It's gone through a few generations. Dad was telling the story the other day that my first ever present was a signed poster of Robbie Flower.

“Someone came to the hospital and gave the poster to Dad for me, so I've supported Melbourne all my life.”

The Buckley family aren’t all die-hard Demons. Buckley’s mum supported Geelong before switching to Melbourne when Buckley was drafted, while his little brother still barracks for the Cats.“He’s pretty keen. I'll struggle to swap him over," Buckley said.

A former Sandringham Dragon, Buckley attracted strong interest in the lead-up to the 2005 NAB AFL Draft. The Western Bulldogs and Sydney were keen, while Hawthorn and Geelong also sounded him out.

But it wasn't until the morning of draft day that he genuinely believed he might be snapped up by an AFL club.

"I had one of the managers, Ricky Nixon call and he said, 'I've spoken to a few clubs, so I'm getting in nice and early and introducing myself'. That was about an hour before the draft and I didn't have a manager," Buckley said.

"So that got me a bit more nervous and then I thought to myself that I might be a bit of a chance. Once I did get picked up it, was a relief."

Melbourne selected him at No.53, and just over 12 months later Buckley got to pull on his boots with the senior side for the NAB Cup opener against Hawthorn."To run out with the boys was a really thrilling experience,” he said. “I won't forget it. I had a lot of mates there."

Buckley’s first full year at the club was a learning year, as he settled into the club and battled injury.

"Last year I had a little bit of OP (osteitis pubis) right at the time when the NAB Cup started," Buckley said. "It made me hungry to get my body right this year and give myself an opportunity to get a game.

“So far this year I've stayed injury free. Neale Daniher seems pretty happy and I think he was pleased with my performances in the NAB Cup, but I haven't been given an indication of whether I'll play during the year. I've just got to hold some good form with the Sandy ones and go from there."